Casey's on deck

Vonta Leach had his regular share of the first-team reps at fullback Friday, meaning rookie James Casey seems less likely to get his first NFL start Sunday against the Titans than it appeared earlier in the week with Leach slowed by a bruised knee.

But noting Casey got the bulk of the work this week and saying Leach remains a game-day decision, coach Gary Kubiak guaranteed Friday that Casey is going to play a great deal.

Which, of course, made Casey happy.

“I'm real excited,” he said.

Casey isn't used to standing on the sideline. He did more of that last Sunday, he said, “than probably any game since junior high. Vonta looked good today, so I'm sure he's going to go Sunday. But I've got to be ready to take advantage of any opportunity I'm given.

“To keep it in perspective, I never thought going into my second game in the NFL that I might be playing a substantial amount at fullback. So I'm looking forward to it.”

Fullback is a challenging position in the offense because of the blitz pickup responsibilities and the battles that must be waged with opposing linebackers. Because of the zone-blocking scheme, the fullback can't just home in on one man.

“It's more complicated,” Casey said, “but I feel like I know what I'm doing. Now it's just a matter of going and doing it.”

Double duty again

With André Davis out with a concussion suffered in the first game, Jacoby Jones will handle kickoff and punt returns, as he did against the Jets.

Coach Gary Kubiak used Jones on kickoffs because Davis had to start at receiver in place of Kevin Walter.

Free safety Eugene Wilson (sprained knee) and cornerback Jacques Reeves, who missed the preseason with a broken leg, are expected to play Sunday.

Titans' injuries

Titans rookie tight end Jared Cook practiced for a second consecutive day but will be listed as questionable Sunday.

Cook, a third-round pick from South Carolina, led the Titans with 17 receptions in the preseason but missed last week's season opener in Pittsburgh due to a sprained ankle. The Titans' other injured tight end, starter Bo Scaife, missed a third consecutive day of practice Friday with a knee injury suffered against the Steelers, and will be doubtful.